Epidermophytosis of the feet is a class of fungal diseases characterized by damage to the feet, interdigital areas and nails. It is highly prevalent, usually in people aged 30 and over (rarely in children), predisposed to chronic disease with alternating exacerbations and remissions.
Mycoses are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic or opportunistic fungi. Mushrooms are lower plants that do not have chlorophyll and their vital activity requires ready-made organic substances - they receive them by settling on the skin of humans and animals.
The causes of fungal infections are very persistent, which distinguishes them from other microorganisms. Fungal skin diseases are the most common in the world. Man's contact with mushrooms is constant - at home, at work, in the office, in nature, in swimming pools, saunas, etc.
Where can you get fungus?
You can catch the fungus in many places for public use - baths, saunas, beaches, gyms (especially in the showers), when you wear someone else's shoes.
The risk of infection increases many times if a person does not follow his hygiene.
Symptoms of the fungus
The course and development of the disease is influenced by the physiological characteristics of the skin of the feet, increased sweating, disorders of the endocrine system, leg injuries. The causative agents of the fungus can be in a "sleeping" state for a long time without appearing as symptoms. In disorders of the body they can be activated. Epidermophytosis of the legs is characterized by the presence of several forms of the disease that can be supplemented bydamage to the nail plates.
You can determine the defeat of the fungus in the presence of several symptoms:
- the nail plate changes its natural color: it is usually fixed yellow or dark color, but the nails may even become white or completely black;
- keratosis of the tissues under the plate: externally it seems that a solid growth has appeared under the nail;
- thickening and layering of the plate;
- deformation of the nail: its protrusion, growth on the side, ingrown skin;
- brittleness of the nail plate: it is possible to break off its part.
How the disease progresses
The first manifestations of the disease begin in the spaces between the fingers, especially between 4 and 5, because there is the least distance between them. A slight itching begins and over time a strip of thickened and slightly flaky skin appears on the fold of the finger.
After 2-3 days, a small crack is formed, from which serous fluid is released, which acts as an excellent environment for the successful reproduction of the fungus. The hard layer of the epidermis may fall off, revealing a dark pink area underneath. The progression of the disease leads to its spread to all toes and the adjacent side of the foot.
Through the damaged areas of the upper part of the skin, the fungus can penetrate into the deeper layers behind the epidermis. The disease is accompanied by an eczematous reaction. Fluid-filled blisters form on the skin and become very itchy. Over time, they can combine and erode, leading to the appearance of weeping areas.
Help! Examination of the skin affected by the fungus revealed that the "naked" wet surface that appears under the blisters does not contain the pathogens themselves, but is only a consequence of their activity.
Without timely and proper treatment, the fungus affects the entire surface of the foot and toes, sometimes reaching the area above the heel. There is instability of the course - the disease then slows down, then intensifies again.
In the absence of therapy, the disease can last for many years. At the same time there is a high risk of complications with pathogenic streptococcus: the fluid in the vesicles begins to fester, foci of inflammation spread beyond the original limits, the foot swells strongly. It becomes difficult for a person to move due to pain in the legs. In addition, there may be complications in the form of lymph node problems.
The development of epidermophytosis usually occurs during the summer months. During this time, sweating increases, fingers often get wet, and increased humidity in the interdigital areas creates favorable conditions for the introduction of fungi and their active reproduction.
Mycosis usually occurs on 1 and 5 fingers, spreading from the free side. The nail gradually thickens, acquires a yellowish tinge and an uneven sharp edge. Over time, severe subungual hyperkeratosis occurs to varying degrees.
Treatment of fungus on the feet
For successful therapy, much attention must be paid to the treatment of lesions.
A person affected by the fungus should take a daily foot bath with potassium permanganate. It is necessary to get rid of crusts, puncture the blisters and remove the "fringe" on the borders of erosive areas and purulent blisters.
After the bath it is necessary to apply medical bandages on the affected areas, soaked in an aqueous solution of copper sulfate (0, 1%) and zinc (0, 4%) or 1% solution of resorcinol. Once the weeping areas begin to heal, alcoholic solutions based on fungicides are used. If necessary, the kit is supplemented with fungicidal ointments.
Obtaining the desired result does not depend on the drugs used, but on the correct sequence of their use according to the current situation with inflammatory processes.
Additional treatment after the end of the fight against lesions plays a huge role, as it helps prevent recurrences. The skin of the feet is wiped with 2% salicylic alcohol or 1% thymol, and the use of 10% boron powder is required. To get rid of and prevent the appearance of fungus in the shoes, you need to wipe the inside with a solution of formaldehyde, wrap it in a thick towel for a few days and then dry it in fresh air. For socks, tights and socks everything is simpler - they just need to boil in this solution for 10 minutes.
If there is a complication of pyococci, then antibiotics are used. Remember to observe bed rest.
Prevention
The following preventive measures should be taken to prevent the occurrence of fungal infections:
- owners of swimming pools, gyms, bathrooms should be more careful about disinfection - perform thorough treatment of the premises according to the established schedule;
- if a fungal infection is suspected, you should consult a doctor immediately to stop the disease immediately;
- before going to bed it is advisable to wash your feet with soap in cold water and wipe them well until dry;
- do not use other people's shoes;
- change socks or stockings every day;
- when visiting swimming pools, baths, showers in gyms, have your own shoes.